people. The first and most general result is, that the all but universal illiteracy of fifty years ago is rapidly diminishing. The schools are supported, partly by the national Government, partly by states and municipalities, partly by benevolent societies. Forty years ago the total sum expended on education by the Government could not have exceeded a hundred thousand dollars. Now it is more nearly five million dollars, if we include with the national appropriation the contributions from other sources, public and private. "With very few exceptions," says Janvier, "free schools, sustained by the state or municipal governments, the Church or benevolent societies, are found in all towns and villages; and in all the cities and larger towns, private schools are numerous. In the more important cities, colleges and professional schools are found. . . . Included in the general scheme are free night-schools for men and women, as well as schools in which trades are taught." It must be owned, however, that the history used in the schools gives a version of the American war with Mexico which would somewhat surprise Gen. Scott and the gallant lieutenants who fought with him.
